D Gukesh Secures First Win at Menorca Masters 2026 After Schedule Reset
D Gukesh Secures First Win After Schedule Reset at Menorca Masters 2026
Menorca, Spain – In a triumphant return to form, Indian chess prodigy D Gukesh clinched his first victory at the Menorca Masters 2026, defeating fellow Grandmaster Pentala Harikrishna on Thursday. This win comes after Gukesh made the strategic decision to step back from a grueling tournament schedule, a move aimed at regaining his competitive edge.
The 19-year-old star showcased his skills in the fourth round of the rapid tournament, playing with the White pieces and outmaneuvering Harikrishna in a tense 54-move battle. Following this victory, Gukesh held Richard Rapport to a draw in the fifth round, with that game extending to 74 moves.
Currently, Gukesh stands second in the tournament standings with 2.5 out of 5 points, trailing behind Nihal Sarin, who leads with 3.5 points. The Menorca Masters features a six-player rapid invitational format, and with five more games remaining, Gukesh is eager to secure additional wins and potentially claim the trophy.
This victory marks a significant milestone for Gukesh, who has faced challenges in recent months. Since becoming the youngest world champion at just 18 in December 2024, he has struggled to replicate that success, having not won a major tournament since his historic title victory against Ding Liren.
Earlier this year, Gukesh finished joint-last at the Prague Chess Masters, prompting him to announce a reduction in his tournament participation. “My performance in the last few events has been quite disappointing, not just for me, but for all of you who support me,” he shared on social media. “In order to find my best form, my team and I have decided that I should compete with slightly less intensity over the next few months.”
As he prepares to defend his world title later this year, Gukesh’s recent win at the Menorca Masters could serve as a much-needed confidence booster. Fans and supporters alike are hopeful that this victory will pave the way for a successful comeback in the competitive chess arena.
First Published: April 10, 2026, 14:57 IST